Kissiedu handed debut as AFC win again

Sportsdesk

AFC Dunstable hit four goals for the third consecutive league game as they were too strong for Stotfold at the weekend.

Manager Steve Heath handed 17-year-old Jake Kissiedu his senior full debut as the youngster turned in a polished performance, while fellow new face Bill Morgan slotted in at centre back as Jermaine Hall (unavailable) and Brandon Carney (ill) were both absent.

AFC, who had already defeated Stotfold twice this season in the league and FA Vase, were on the front foot from the off, taking the lead on 14 minutes when Nathan Frater slotted home.

They almost had a second through Frater, while BJ Christie also went close, before AFC did go 2-0 up after half an hour, Christie turning Stotfold’s skipper Michael Payne to fire home.

In the second period, the hosts got off to the perfect start, as Christie teed up Frater to double his tally for the afternoon.

The visitors then started to lose a bit of discipline as a rash tackle on Frater saw him have to go off with Ben Darby taking his place, while Kissiedu was substituted for Danny Jones.

It was Darby who completed the scoring with 15 minutes go, as speaking about the impressive teenager Kissiedu and his side’s youth set-up, he said: “I thought Jake did not look out of place and his attitude was first class. To think he only broke into our U18 floodlit team just over a year ago, within five months he had progressed to the Reserves where he has been outstanding.

“It just goes to show how strong our youth system is and bringing them through at the right time is vital.

“We currently have five more 17-year-old’s in and around the reserve team and hopefully Jake’s progression will push them to match him.

“Bill Morgan also did well on his debut. For someone who has not played much this season, he was outstanding but it’s no surprise as he has great pedigree.”

On Stotfold’s approach to the game, Heath added: “While I thought the referee had a good game, he tried his hardest to keep 11 of their players on the pitch.

“I now have worries over three players for Tuesday though after they picked up knocks from very dubious challenges.”

AFC remain two points behind leaders Hoddesdon with game in hand after they won 4-2 at Hadley, but are now seven points clear of London Coley, who have played two games more, as they drew 0-0 with Biggleswade United.

Heath’s side travel to London Tigers tomorrow night and then host Oxhey Jets this weekend.